Allahabad HC Division Bench Recuses From Hearing Habeas Corpus Plea Of Journalist Arrested During Noida Workers' Protest

When the matter was taken up, Senior Advocate SFA Naqvi, along with Advocate Shashwat Anand, appeared on behalf of Verma and sought to press the petition on merits; however, the bench 'released' the matter and directed the Registry to place the matter before the Chief Justice for the nomination of an appropriate Bench.

The matter has been listed for hearing as a fresh matter on May 22.

It may be noted that the habeas corpus petition, filed on Verma's behalf by his wife, challenges his arrest, detention and subsequent remand and custody in connection with the Noida workers' protest cases.

The plea further alleges serious procedural irregularities in the arrest and custodial transfer process and seeks his release from custody along with preservation of electronic and documentary evidence relating to the detention.

Verma, who was arrested from Lucknow on April 17, was separately booked on May 13 under the stringent National Security Act.

On his plea challenging the NGA Detention, the Supreme Court on May 19 issued notice to the Uttar Pradesh government.

It is the case of the UP Police that Verma had an important role to play in the violence, arson and spread of disorder during the workers' protest as he attempted to disrupt public order by provoking people in various areas.

The workers were protesting to put forth their demands for a wage hike and improved working conditions. As per a report of The Hindu, on April 13, incidents of vehicle burning, trespassing and stone pelting were reported in a few places, following which police lathi-charged on workers and detained hundreds of workers and seven activists involved in the protest.